This is pretty much the question I begin every conversation with these days. I’m not quite old enough to remember the original series created by Carl Sagan – but I’m really digging the revival brought to us by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and the talent that brings us Family Guy Seth MacFarlane. (An odd coupling if you ask me … but it works.) Cosmos uses the scientific method to break down big questions of the universe and the true nature of reality. And if you’re open to it, it will blow your mind with perspective.

But first, can we talk about how amazing Neil deGrasse Tyson is? He’s probably the kindest and most personable astrophysicist there ever was. He’s wicked smart, clearly, but he’s also kind. And he almost ventures into Mr. Rogers territory when he takes us on the “Ship of the Imagination” to explore the depths of ocean and the far corners of the universe. It’s obvious after watching a few episodes that deGrasse Tyson is not only passionate about his own career in astrophysics but he’s passionate about fostering the potential in the future scientists and curious minds who might be watching his show. In fact, I can’t help but think of Fox one day finding inspiration in deGrasse Tyson’s infectious enthusiasm. I also love how science is spiritual for Tyson. I feel the same.

But back to Cosmos being a bit mind blowing. The universe is huge, y’all. I know that’s a given but in an episode of Cosmos that made it visual I left one episode feeling like a tiny, insignificant speck of dust. I considered not even getting out of bed the next day. Then in the very next episode Cosmos explored our existence down to the tiniest molecule and I felt lucky to be alive and ready to take on the world. So, if we’re just a bunch of molecules bound together by what feels like luck in a universe that is larger than comprehension we might as well love hard and take risks, right? Right.

The thought of something that has no edge. I often wonder how large our minds are. If you could lay out every thought end to end, side to side as a map. From the first scream to our last breath, it sometimes feels like there might be a whole universe residing within.

I looked at the nearly full moon last night and felt in awe of the thought that someone had walked on it. The possibility of what we can achieve. Space is awe inspiring, just look up and feel it. The sun, moon, weather, everything drifting around us, stars near and far, the possibility of other life (the awesomeness of our own planet) and the fact that already we have people living up there in a space station. Amazing.

I have not been able to watch any because we don’t have channels. But when it goes Netflix, I will see it. However, have you read Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series? (Related train of thought, I swear) Because this:

“I know that’s a given but in an episode of Cosmos that made it visual I left one episode feeling like a tiny, insignificant speck of dust. I considered not even getting out of bed the next day.”

Reminds me of the Total Perspective Vortex… which is basically a torture device wherein you get placed inside a box, and the entire universe is charted out in all its glory, and then an arrow appears pointing to a microscopic dot that says “You Are Here.” Then, the story goes, people basically just die from despair or because they don’t matter.

I have always been fascinated and amused by the You Are Here visual, like it was merely a map in a shopping mall and you need to know which way to turn to get to Betelgeuse.

YES! I have also been loving Cosmos. It is filling in some gaps in my understanding about my spirituality that have been missing for way too long. I find it incredibly inspiring and encouraging. I end up feeling the same sense of ‘why not’ after watching it too.

Aside from Cosmos, Wil also got me hooked on Star Talk Radio! That’s his podcast series, and any of the ones with Eugene Mirman are ridiculously funny. I highly recommend them. I’m rarely in a place where I can sit and listen to a full podcast but I seem to keep making time for Star Talk lol. SO GOOD. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/startalk/id325404506

I LOVE Cosmos!! My husband and my 8 year old (future scientist, totally) love it too! Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to talk to many people about it because most of the people I see are other parents at my daughter’s school and many in this area are super conservative. I’d love to throw it into conversation but I worry it could turn into one of *those* conversations, which I generally steer clear of at kid functions.

I love the show! My 3 year old loves it too, and Neil deGrasse Tyson is already an inspiration for him, we have conversations about black holes, the universe, and any bit of information that he remembers from the show, which it is often a lot. Worth watching with the lil ones.

It’s really weird that you posted this, because literally last night, William was in the den watching Red 2 + I was totally bored of movies that shoot too much stuff and blow up too much stuff. So I went to the bedroom, got under the covers, and NOTHING WAS ON TV. Then it hit me! “HEY! I haven’t watched Cosmos yet.” So I turned on the first episode On Demand and fell asleep somewhere along the part about Copernicus, but I plan on going back to watch it.

This has been on my to-watch list for the longest time. You’ve convinced me to finally give it a go!

If you like Cosmos, you might also like Bill Bryson’s epic book ‘ A Short History of Nearly Everything’. Bryson is typically a comedy travel writer, but he’s also got a huge passion for science. Science plus his amazing wit and humour = big win! It’s one of my favourite books ever.

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